US EditionThailand Drops Casino Legalisation Plans After PM Suspended
THAILAND, JUL 7 – The bill's withdrawal follows political instability and public concerns including gambling addiction and money laundering, putting 6,000 jobs linked to casino projects at risk, government estimates.
- Chief Government Whip Visuth Chainaroon announced plans to withdraw the entertainment complex bill from parliament on July 9, with Cabinet approval expected July 8.
- Mounting public opposition, including 60% in a January 2025 poll, and the exit of the Bhumjaithai Party, led to the withdrawal motion amid political turmoil and coalition instability.
- Critics, including the Stop Gambling Foundation, warn that the casino bill could worsen household debt, facilitate money laundering, and threaten social stability, while potentially risking 6,000 jobs and 39.4 billion baht in revenue.
- The cabinet is set to approve the withdrawal on July 8, risking legislative gridlock and challenging the government's stability in the coming months.
- Beyond the bill's withdrawal, uncertainty remains about its reintroduction, with no timeline from Chainaroon, as the budget bill in August could influence future steps.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Bhumjaithai Party urges government to end casino policy, just withdrawing the Entertainment Complex Bill is not enough, taunting that they are afraid of losing in the House, challenging them not to withdraw, let the MPs decide in the House, if the majority votes in agreement, they will accept it.
Thai casinos take unexpected hit from PM Paentongtarn Shinawatra's suspension
The so-called “entertainment complex” bill, which aimed to authorise casinos and position Thailand as a regional gambling hub, was shelved amid mounting political uncertainty after PM Paetongtarn's suspension from office last week
Associated Press News
Thailand's Cabinet withdraws a controversial bill to legalize casinos
Thailand’s Cabinet has withdrawn a controversial bill to legalize casinos. The decision follows the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last week over an ethics investigation.
Thailand backtracks on legalising casino plans as political turmoil deepens
Thailand's government will withdraw a controversial bill to legalize casinos from parliament following mounting public opposition and a fresh bout of political turmoil that has reduced the ruling coalition's majority.
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